Breaking News - Update on Terry Smith, Jr.

Volunteers gathered today at the local Menifee Market to help continue the search and effort to find the missing child, Terry Smith, Jr. Smith, who is said to have autism. In the early afternoon, however, the search was called off and a police investigation began at the lost boy's home. Community members waited for information, hopeful of the outcome. "It's great how the whole community came together to search for this boy" said a teen volunteer, Kristi Davis. Her co-volunteer, Connor, agreed. "We are a small town and we have to watch out for each other." In hearing the news of remains being found on the property, another young volunteer Taylor Sanchez said, "I hope we can find him. I don't see how someone could do that."

Sadly, Today at 4 p.m. The press conference revealed the tragic end to the search of the missing juvenile Terry Smith, Jr. It was stated by Riverside County Chief of Police John Hill that at 12:55 a.m. today, Wednesday July 10, it was reported that there were partially exposed human remains found on the boy's property. The body found by police is said to fit the description of Terry Smith, although it is not confirmed that it is him. In discovering the remains, the residents of the home were transported to the police department and interviewed.

As a result of information exchanged during the interviews, a sixteen-year old family member of young Smith has been arrested for murder. It also has not been confirmed that this detained minor is indeed the half-brother of Terry Smith. An unidentified minor who is friends with the half-brother revealed that she was with him just the night before. "He is a very sweet boy, but he has been in a mental hospital before for attempting to commit suicide." The sixteen-year old half-brother of Terry also had a history of self-abuse, she shared. These factsand opinions still do not conclude however that he is guilty of the crime. There is an ongoing investigation of the case and its terrible discoveries.

Mayor Scott Mann spoke at the conference as well. He thanked and commended the community and its many organizations and forces such as the Menifee Police Force and Riverside Sheriff's Department for its outstanding participation and efforts to bring Terry home safe, but that the search effort has been suspended indefinitely. "Integrity is not negotiable," Mayor Mann stated, and quoted the Bible, as he believes that "children have a special place in the arms of Our Lord and Savior." There will be a prayer vigil tonight at 7:30 p.m. At the Menifee Market to remember and honor our young and loved Terry Smith, Jr.